Inspiration vs. Copying: Finding Your Own Artistic Voice
We are all influenced by others—whether it’s a painting we saw years ago or just five minutes ago. With the constant exposure to artwork in galleries and on social media, these images linger in our subconscious until we are ready to use them.
I started these two pieces on a Plein Air trip several years ago and they’ve been sitting on a pile to be looked at again one day. Well, that day was this past week as I came across them while trying to put some much needed order in my studio. And while I didn’t quite know what I was going to do with them, but knew this was the right time.
I remembered some paintings by the Group of Seven I had seen in Toronto a few years ago. For those of you that don't know, this is a group of artists who were pioneers in painting our beautiful Canadian landscape around the 1930s. They put a distinct mark in Canadian painting and are a great influence for many of us.
I decided to print some photos of them and simply put them in front of me for inspiration. Not copying. You can see they are nothing like each other but I wanted to study some elements in them that I liked. With the photos sitting by me as I paint, I’m considering many things, like size of shapes, differences in colour, how they break down the complexity of the landscape, etc. I am constantly comparing how those elements are working , or not working, in my own painting. I’m LOVING finding my way through these forests. I’m going very slowly, making deliberate changes. Stepping back and seeing them from a distance so I can see the design. I am excited to see them evolve.
Learning from Others Without Losing Yourself
As artists we pull elements we like from many different sources and then through a steady practice, we are able to incorporate them into who we are. I always encourage my students to make a list and start a folder with different artworks they love but it doesn't stop there. The key is to analyze WHAT draws us to those pieces and WHY.
Is it the brushwork?
The color palette?
The composition or subject matter?
Once we identify these elements, we can practice them deliberately in our own work. At first, mimicking a particular stroke or technique may feel unfamiliar, but over time, as we internalize and refine it, it becomes part of our unique style.
The Role of Copying in Artistic Growth
There is also value in directly copying masterworks or paintings that inspire us. This kind of study can be very effective for understanding technique, composition, and execution but this is just an exercise for another day.
Let’s keep exploring, experimenting, and making each brushstroke your own! Start your folder of inspiration and let me know how this makes a change in your creative journey.